Image Credit: Netflix
Following the heartbreaking news of Eric Dane’s passing on February 19, 2026, Netflix has officially added a new documentary special to its library. Topic Famous Last Words: Eric DaneThe 50-minute film features the actor’s last long interview, recorded in secrecy with the understanding that it would only be released posthumously. It concludes with Dane’s direct-to-camera message, filmed a few months after his 2025 diagnosis, intended to be his final words to his fans and the world.
The special is part of Netflix’s new “Famous Last Words” series, which uses a unique, intimate format to allow cultural icons to define their legacies. To maintain the confidentiality of the conversation, the interview was conducted using remote cameras, leaving only Dane and interviewer/executive producer Brad Falchuk in the room. To date, this is the second releaseWith Dr. Jane Goodall as the first, Back in October 2025. The format is the same, with the subject of the documentary knowing that it will only be released upon their death.
As mentioned, Dane died at the age of 53. “With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed away on Thursday afternoon after a courageous battle with ALS,” one reads. Statement from Dane’s family. “He spent his final days surrounded by loving friends, his devoted wife and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world.”
Documentary reveals Dane’s transformation from legendary role as Dr. Mark “McSteamy” Sloan Grey’s Anatomy. Dane created a diverse body of work that spanned many genres and high-profile projects. According to the interview, he was widely praised for his recent role as the complex and repressed Cal Jacobs in HBO’s Euphoria, a performance he put a lot of effort into. This marked a significant, dramatic change in his career and this continued until his death. Dane also leads TNT action-drama the last ship for five seasons as Admiral Tom Chandler, demonstrating his range as a leading man in the post-apocalyptic genre. His first television work included the notable recurring role of Jason Dean on Charmed, as well as lead roles in short-lived but respected dramas such as Gideon’s Crossing. On the big screen, he appeared in major productions such as X-Men: The Last Standromantic comedy group Valentine’s Daymusical drama burlesqueand hit comedy marley and me.
Image Credit: Netflix
Dane talks about his father’s death from a self-inflicted gunshot wound when he was 7, and says he still gets emotional thinking about the place his father was in. He further adds that he has struggled to connect with people since that moment. He admits that he writes letters to his father, although less so in recent years. He talks about his children, his relationship with Rebecca Gayheart and their separation, as well as his battles with drug and alcohol addiction. ALS naturally plays a big role in the conversation.
Since his diagnosis, he has been a powerful voice for the ALS community, advocating for treatment and broader access to health care. Dane speaks at the beginning of the special that he was shocked by the sudden progression of the disease and suggests that the issue of research and finding a cure is purely financial.
Speaking about himself in the third person when asked who Eric Dane was, the actor said, “He was a kind, considerate, thoughtful, empathetic, sensitive, vulnerable person, though sometimes afraid. A person who cared a lot.”
At the end of the interview, Dane was left alone to talk to the camera. This is what he said:
Billy and Georgia, these words are for you.
I tried. I faltered sometimes, but I tried. Overall, we had a lot of fun, didn’t we? I remember all the time we spent at the beach. You two, me and mom in Malibu, Santa Monica, Hawaii, Mexico. My water babies, now I watch you play in the sea for hours. Those days, pun intended, were heaven, pun intended.
I want to tell you four things I’ve learned from this disease, and I hope you won’t just listen to me. I hope you hear me.
First of all, live in the present, right now. It’s hard, but I learned to do it. For years, I wandered mentally, lost in my own mind for long periods of time, wallowing in worry and self-pity, shame and doubt. I repeated decisions, second-guessed myself. “I should have done this. I should never have done this.” Not anymore.
For the sake of pure survival, I am forced to live in the present. But I don’t want to live anywhere else. There are regrets in the past. The future remains unknown. So you have to live now. You only have the present. treasure it. cherish every moment.
Second, falling in love. Not necessarily in person, although I recommend it. But love something. Find your passion, your joy. Find one thing that makes you want to wake up in the morning. Keeps you going throughout the day. I fell in love for the first time when I was your age. I fell in love with acting. That love ultimately carried me through my darkest hours, my darkest days, my darkest years. I still love my work. I am still waiting for it. I still want to come in front of the camera and play my role. My work doesn’t define me, but it excites me. find something. Find your way. Your purpose. Your dream, then go for it. Really go for it.
Third, choose your friends wisely. Find your people and let them find you, and then give yourself to them. The best of them will come back to you. No decision. zero conditional. No questions asked. I am very grateful to my close family and friends. Everyone has stepped up. I can no longer do even the small tasks I used to do. I can’t drive in the city, go to the gym, drink coffee or walk outside. I have learned to embrace alternatives. My friends come to me. We eat together, watch sports, listen to music. They don’t do anything special. They just appear. It is very big. Just show it. And love your friends with everything you have. Hang on to them. They will entertain you, guide you, support you and some will save you.
Finally, fight with every fiber of your being and dignity. When you face challenges, health or otherwise, fight. never give up. Fight till your last breath. This disease is slowly taking over my body, but it will never take over my soul.
You both are different people. But you are both strong and resilient. You have inherited flexibility from me. That’s my superpower. You know me down there, I bounce right back up, and I keep coming back. I wake up again and again. Mark says I’m like a cat. Except that a cat has nine lives, and I’m easily on number 15. So when something unexpected hits you, and it will, because that’s life, fight and face it with honesty, integrity and decency, even if it seems insurmountable or impossible. I hope I’ve demonstrated that you can face anything. You may face the end of your days. You can face hell with dignity. Fight, girls, and keep your heads held high.
Billy and Georgie, you are my heart. You are my everything. Good night. I love you. These are my last words.”
Famous Last Words: Watch Eric Dane on Netflix
produced by Brad Falchuk, Tele-Vision, And BSNA (Banijay Entertainment), The special is available to stream globally from today. It is unknown how many of these specials Netflix has recorded so far.